Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families

100 Days of Summer Safety

Memorial Day–Labor Day

beachgoers having fun at a beach

As Rhode Island families enjoy summer activities, it’s important to keep safety in mind.

Rhode Island State Parks and other agencies publish information around:

100 Days of Summer Safety Quick Tips

  • Be mindful of warning flags
  • Be aware of “High Surf” alerts
  • Learn to handle RIP currents when swimming
  • Always wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses that provide UV-ray protection
  • Avoid swimming away from lifeguard areas or great distances from the beach
  • Always wear a life jacket
  • Keep an emergency/first-aid kit, including an extra cell phone charging battery, on board
  • Do not operate a boat while drinking alcohol
  • Know the weather and be mindful of water temperatures
  • Be mindful of fishing terrain when on rocks during “high surf” times
  • Be mindful of cooking outdoors and attracting wildlife
  • Know weather and wind conditions and be careful not to create a wildfire
  • Take an emergency/first-aid kit on your trip to handle bites/wounds and include an extra cell phone charging battery
  • NEVER drink and drive or text and drive—in any capacity
  • Keep emergency supplies on hand during trips; include a phone charger
  • Perform vehicle check-ups before long trips
  • Ensure proper rest during extended periods of driving
  • Be mindful to follow posted speed limitations on your drive
  • Make sure there is a responsible adult present when lighting fireworks.
  • If you've been drinking alcohol, don't use fireworks.
  • Don't hold sparklers. Instead, put them in the ground.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Don't place or set off any type of fireworks or flammables near children.
  • Be sure other people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Keep your body well hydrated
  • Be familiar with the area and have a map or compass for off-trail exploration
  • Bring along an emergency/first-aid kit, including an extra cell phone charging battery, packed for the specific terrain
  • Know how to handle potential stings and bites while outdoors
  • Be up to date on weather activity
  • Limit outdoor activities or reduce strenuous activity on days of extreme heat/temperatures
  • Never leave children unsupervised near a pool
  • If possible, install 4-foot-high protective fencing around all sides of personal/private pools
  • Do not dive headfirst in less than 9 feet of water
  • Enter water feet first
  • Always lock unopened windows.
  • Do not place beds, furniture or other items that children can climb on directly under windows.
  • Open windows from the top if possible.
  • Do not open windows more than 4 inches.
  • Screens keep bugs from getting in, but they DO NOT keep children from falling out.

 

  • Install fencing, self-latching closing gate that locks, and pool and hot-tub covers. For kids with autism and other special needs, alert neighbors about wandering tendencies and the elevated risk of seeking water.
  • Install gate and pool alarms, and alarms on windows and doors. Remove toys from the pool and empty buckets, baby pools, and tubs after use. For children with autism and other special needs, use alarms along with visual aids like stop signs on doors, windows and pool gates.
  • Enroll your child in swimming lessons as early as possible. For children with autism and other special needs, ask these facilities for lessons specific to their needs. For children with autism, make sure the fi­nal lesson is done with clothing and shoes on.
  • Always supervise your child and stay at arm’s length at all times without distractions. Remember that more eyes do not equal more protection. Assign one responsible person to watch your child at all times for an agreed-upon period of time.
  • Continue to educate your children about water safety. For children with autism and other special needs, use social stories to educate them about water safety, and safe areas to swim versus unsafe areas
  • Neither adults nor children should ever swim alone. Model this behavior and make sure your child understands they should always be with a trusted adult before entering water, and as they get older, to buddy up.